Hyundai unveils new generation of Accent subcompact at 2017 Canadian Auto Show

Hyundai is introducing a new 2018 Accent that is not only wider and longer, but is now also sporting a new look that is more serious than the previous model. The South Korean carmaker unveiled the 2018 iteration of the Accent at the 2017 Canadian International Auto Show, hoping that this iteration of the subcompact car will further boost the popularity in the United States in Canada.

The most glaring changes in the new 2018 Hyundai Accent are very much seen on its exterior. While the carmaker only unveiled the sedan version 2018 Hyundai Accent, the smaller sibling of the Hyundai Elantra will be available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. In terms of overall looks, the 2018 Hyundai Accent looks like a smaller version of its larger brother, the Elantra. From the front end to the rear end, the 2018 Accent sports an appearance that would make onlookers mistake it for an Elantra, until they realize that it is smaller than its Hyundai family sibling.

With the 2018 Accent donning a new and more serious look, gone now is the seemingly happy and smiling face of this subcompact car. The redesign implemented revisions on the subcompact’s grille and headlights as well as its wraparound lights on the rear, giving the new 2018 Accent a more earnest look in line with Hyundai’s other recently redesigned models (like the new Elantra GT). Headlining the subcompact’s new look is Hyundai’s signature hexagonal cascading grille as flanked by wrap-around headlights and LED daytime running lights.

When compared to the previous version of the Accent sedan, the 2018 iteration is a bit longer and wider. Its length and width have been increased by 15 mm and 29 mm, respectively. This also allowed the South Korean to increase the sedan’s wheelbase by 10 mm, which results to a more spacious interior. The hatchback version, meanwhile, has seen its length and width increase by 70 mm and 29 mm, respectively. Its wheelbase has also been increased by 10 mm. The height of both body versions of the new generation 2018 Accent remains the same.

The more spacious interior of the 2018 Accent features a new driver-oriented center stack with either a 5.0-inch or 7.0-inch infotainment system, which is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. According to Hyundai, it features higher-quality materials and more premium technology.

Serving as the core of the 2018 Hyundai Accent is a revised 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that now provides 132 hp of max output and 119 lb-ft of peak torque. Power is sent to the wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox.